Transition to Adulthood: Services and Natural Supports Associated with Success

Synopsis: The purpose of this symposium is to provide new findings on services and natural social support factors that are associated with progress and outcomes of transition-age youth and young adults with emotional/behavioral disturbances (EBD). These studies describe qualitative and quantitative findings that provide indications of the types of services and natural social supports that contribute to the success of young people. The first study is a qualitative study with young adults that examined their perspective on social supports and the extent to which these may be facilitative factors. The second presentation is also a qualitative study of young adults who, based on objective criteria, were considered “successful.” Study findings yielded a pattern of factors associated improved progress and outcomes across various transition domains. The third study in this symposium series is a program evaluation of a developing transition system serving youth and young adults with EBD. This study provides qualitative and quantitative results suggesting an association between services received and progress indicators for these young people. These studies point to the importance of developmentally-appropriate services – and emphasize the essential role that natural supports play in the lives of these transition-age young people. The discussant, presenters, and audience members will discuss the implications of these findings for designing and enhancing service systems to improve the work, school, and life outcomes of youth and young adults with EBD and their families.

Date:
Monday, March 2, 2009

Session Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Young Adults’ Perspectives on Social Support during Transition to Postsecondary Work / Education

Synopsis: Young adults who are involved in mental health and other social service systems experience significant challenges in the transition to adulthood, particularly in the areas of education and employment. In this short-term longitudinal study, the researcher met with eleven young adults five times each during a four-month follow-up period as they navigated transitions to school and work. The findings describe four distinct transition pathways and young adults’ specific needs for support during these transitions.

Transition to Adulthood Roles: Young Adults Perspectives on Factors Contributing to Success

Synopsis: Few studies have given a voice to successful young adults as they transition to adulthood, not allowing them to describe their real life experiences and share what they view as effective transition supports and services. This qualitative study addresses the research question: “What factors enable young people with EBD to successfully transition to adulthood?” Five significant themes emerging from the data analysis will be discussed during this presentation as well as implications for the development of effective community transition systems.